Welcome to the Website of the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Here you can find information on all things arachnological. Our emphasis is on British spiders but we also include other arachnids, particularly Harvestmen (opilionids), Pseudoscorpions and Scorpions.

The BAS is Britain's only charity devoted exclusively to the study and understanding of arachnids. It is run entirely by volunteers, with no paid staff.

The BAS at the Rutland Birdfair 2017

The Rutland Birdfair in August was once again a fantastic opportunity to talk spiders with what felt like a high proportion of the audience of approaching 25,000. Our very popular stand offered advice on all things arachnological, a live display of British arachnids including pseudoscorpions, new BAS Factsheets and an opportunity to buy signed copies of the new WildGuide to Britain's Spiders at a substantial discount. Many people took up the opportunity to make their own mini spi-pot - essential kit for users of the WildGuide! We'll hope to be there again next year and will look forward to seeing old friends as well as a new audience. If you can help to sponsor our stand, please do get in touch.

Scottish Spider Search

Spiders are some of our most familiar and widespread invertebrates, but there are still big gaps in our knowledge of their distributions in Scotland. Over 400 different types of spider occur in Scotland. Most need to be examined under a microscope to identify the species, but there are some that can be identified easily without any special skills or equipment.

We need your help to find out more about four easily identified spiders.

New to Britain - Pelecopsis susannae

Pelecopsis susannae, a south-west European money spider previously unrecorded in Britain, was stumbled upon by chance by Matt Prince, SRS Area Organiser for Devon, whilst looking at bryophytes in a park on the edge of Dartmoor in December. The males of this species have an inflated head region and abdominal scutum typical of the genus. In addition they have a thumb-like projection on the dorsal surface of the palp which is unknown among other British species - these can be seen in Pierre Oger's wonderful photographs of Matt's specimen. After Matt appealed for help with identification of what was clearly a new species to Britain via the ever-helpful BAS Google Group forum (open to all members), the specimen’s identity was confirmed by Peter Merrett and Robert Bosmans. Matt and his wife Nicola found that a clean, broad paint brush and tray was an effective way to check for this winter-active species on moss covered trees. You'll be able to read more about the new species in forthcoming issues of our Newsletter and our journal Arachnology.

How to make a pooter

Ecosapien, an environmental education consultancy based in Leeds, has produced a series of short YouTube videos for the BAS designed to encourage a new generation of arachnologists. These have largely been promoted through Social Media. The practical clips cover How to … (a) catch arachnids, (b) make a spider enclosure; (c) make a simple sweep net; (d) make a spi-pot and (e) make a simple pooter. A longer ‘Eco-talk’ video on arachnology, featuring the infectious enthusiasm of BAS honorary secretary Geoff Oxford, is available here. The final ‘Eco-talk’ is expected soon.

For those with a long-standing relationship with the humble pooter, its fascinating history, by Prof Simon Leather, can be read here

European Spider of the Year 2017 - Nuctenea umbricata the Walnut Orbweaver

Our colleagues at the European Society of Arachnology have announced Nuctenea umbricata the Walnut Orbweaver as Spider of the Year for 2017. This species belongs to the Araneidae - the true orbweavers - and is found throughout Europe. The genus is represented by two species in western/central Europe but only by N. umbricata in the UK. It is one of the set of the Spider Recording Scheme's 'easily recognized species' that can be recorded on-line by members of the public contributing to our understanding of its status in Britain.

A new spider family for Britain - the Mysmenidae

The discovery of new spider species in Britain is a fairly regular event but for the first time in a number of years we now have a completely new family of spiders for the country. Trogloneta granulum recently discovered at two sites in Wales, is Britain's first member of the Mysmenidae, a family of tiny orb-web spiders that includes only 23 genera and 123 species worldwide.

False Widow Spiders

There are photographs to compare with any spiders you think may be a False Widow, as well as detailed information on their distribution and habits and bite.

Please do not be scared by recent coverage in the media, much of which is misleading and plainly wrong!

For other common and harmless species that you can find in and around your home and garden, please check the section further down this Main page - Some Common British Species - click on the photos for more information and pictures.

Local Events and Training

Our Regional Coordinators and groups organise local field trips and training workshops. They also attend public events, to demonstrate and identify arachnids. These are arranged throughout the year, so keep checking back for new activities near you. You don't have to be a member to attend most of these events (although we might encourage you to join!).

Please ensure you book in advance; spaces on the workshops may be limited.

Recording

Using records submitted by BAS members and the public, these national recording schemes map the UK distribution of spider and harvestman species and provide details on their ecology and annual life cycles.